Bengaluru, India - ELREPEL is quickly evolving from being solely an acoustic deterrent to a more comprehensive “ELREPEL Coexistence System", adding more technology to the LoRaWAN capabilities already integrated.
Aiming to play a part in managing human-elephant conflict, the ELREPEL Coexistence System functions as a virtual wall and early warning system, combining advanced infrared sensors with the natural aversion elephants have to the sounds of angry bees. When elephants approach, the system detects their presence and emits high-definition audio mimicking the sound of reactive bees, effectively deterring them from entering human-inhabited areas. This non-lethal deterrent is further enhanced by real-time data transmission, allowing for timely interventions and continuous monitoring of the system’s effectiveness.
ELREPEL’s visits in May, June, July, and August to present the product to the Forest Departments in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Meghalaya, and Jharkhand - combined with visiting communities in each state troubled by human-elephant conflict - have played an extremely important part in further developing the ELREPEL Coexistence System.
For example, ELREPEL has decided to integrate an AI Camera with On-Board Image Recognition, as it is critical that the system can positively identify elephants to avoid false alarms, unnecessary disturbances, and habituation to the sound. This camera is capable of distinguishing elephants from other animals or objects, ensuring that the acoustic sound deterrent and early warning system are only activated when elephants are positively identified.
In Tamil Nadu, Meghalaya, and Jharkhand, ELREPEL’s advisor Marisa Rodrigues spoke to the importance of integrating community feedback, fostering educational outreach, and building local capacity, saying,
“our multi-stakeholder consultation process is designed to create a comprehensive, adaptive, and sustainable solution.”
Matthew Jordan, another advisor for ELREPEL, adds,
“Local people and the government are doing a lot but it's a struggle because both human and elephant populations are growing, and the habitat for elephants is diminishing. ELREPEL is a solution that can be integrated into ongoing efforts."
Additionally ELREPEL attended the first International Human-Elephant Conflict Management Conference in Bengaluru on August 12, 2024. Stakeholders from all areas were in attendance and were eager to dialogue with ELREPEL’s team about their hopes and dreams for better technology to aid in establishing peaceful coexistence.
ELREPEL will be doing further piloting and testing in multiple states and communities from October onwards.
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